Italian multinational oil and gas major Eni and Angolan National Oil Company Sonangol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in the agribusiness sector and energy decarbonization.
The MoU was signed in Rome, during Hon. João Lourenço’s state visit to Italy this week, by Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, and Sebastio Pai Querido Gaspar Martins, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sonangol.
It paves the way for the two companies to maximize cooperation in enhancing the agribusiness value chain and research and development of innovative low-carbon energy and mining technologies and business.
Building on an MoU signed by the two parties and the Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis de Angola (ANPG) in October 2021 to cooperate on bio-feedstock and circular economy projects, Eni and Sonangol will identify, exploit and optimize energy decarbonization opportunities within the agribusiness sector including the use of agro-products to generate low arbon fuels such as biomass and green ammonia for power and agro-industrial applications.
Eni and Sonangol are collaborating on comprehensive studies aimed at enhancing the interconnection between Angola’s agriculture, food, and energy value chains.
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The primary focus of these studies involves the advancement of key areas such as improved seeds and biotechnologies, mechanization, fertilizers, and logistics services. Additionally, they will evaluate Angola’s critical minerals landscape to determine its suitability for battery energy storage and renewable energy technologies.
The MoU also covers energy firms cooperating with start-ups and small medium enterprises to develop and pilot digital energy technologies aimed at accelerating the energy transition.
The agreement forms Sonangol’s greater strategy to invest and participate in the decarbonization of Angola’s energy industry and economy to meet Paris Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goal.